When selecting a donor sperm vial, it’s essential to understand the different preparations available.
Depending on the assisted reproductive technology used(IUI, IVF or ICSI), the choice of sperm preparation can impact clinical outcomes. Here’s a guide to help you make an informed decision.
1. Unwashed vs. Washed Samples: What’s the Difference?
- Unwashed Sample: This type of sample is cryopreserved directly by the sperm bank in its original seminal plasma. While this maintains the sperm cells in their natural medium, it requires processing (i.e., sperm washing) at the clinic to remove the seminal plasma prior to utilization. It’s important to note that this additional handling step can, in some cases, affect the post-thaw quality of the sample, an outcome not covered by the sperm bank’s quality assurance.
- Washed Sample: This sample has been processed and cryopreserved by the sperm bank, meaning the seminal plasma has already been removed. It is therefore ready for direct use without requiring further preparation.
2. Minimum Guaranteed Sperm Count by Banks
Sperm banks provide minimum guarantees regarding the number of motile sperm per vial, depending on the intended use:
- Unwashed Sample (ICI): 10–15 million motile sperm
- Washed Sample (IUI): 10 million motile sperm
- IVF/ICSI (Washed or Unwashed): 1–5 million motile sperm
3. Quality and Storage Conditions
Sperm banks guarantee sample quality for a limited time post-shipment. Unless a quality issue is confirmed upon thawing, no full or partial refund will be provided.. That said, some banks offer a buy-back option for unused vials (up to 50% of the original price) if the vials have remained stored at the bank.
If you plan to purchase multiple vials for future use, storing them directly at the sperm bank is generally recommended to ensure optimal cryopreservation conditions.